Reflection on EDLD 5366

Digital Graphics, Animation, and Desktop Publishing have been a new experience for me the last five weeks. I have gained a great deal of knowledge from this class. I had no experience in digital graphics or animation. I did not realize how useful animation could be in the classroom setting. As stated in the article, Understanding Multimedia Learning: Integrating Multimedia in the K-12 classroom, the author states “Including multimedia as part of instruction can significantly enhance student learning” (Research, 2008). I have found this statement to be true. I believe anytime technology can be integrated into a lesson it helps keep the students focused. "Games succeed because they encapsulate powerful design principles for learning environments"(Halverson, 2005). I find this to be true with most technology. I have learned throughout this course that students thrive on learning new technology. I have absolutely loved learning the software and taking the design principals we have learned and putting them into place on each of the projects.
As I read the literature for this course I found myself nodding my head in agreement with so much as we learned about the design principals and the importance of placement and color. It really brought my attention to the way that ads are created and why the creators do what they do. I particularly enjoyed reading the article with the movie poster from “Sweet Home Alabama.” I learned a great deal on how movie posters are made and how they place things to capture your attention without you even knowing. I found that to be interesting and tried my best to put those principals in place when creating my newsletter.
I found myself wanting to try Microsoft Publisher with my students, but feel they need a little more basic skills before we dive into creating a newsletter. I may start simple and let them create a one page flyer about Christmas Around the World and what they have learned over the past few weeks about Christmas in different countries. I feel technology in our studies should be integrated in all possible ways. With the 21st century learners that we teach on a daily basis, it is important that we capture their attention with the things they know, and they know technology.



Research, S. (2008). Understanding Multimedia Learning: Integrating multimedia in the K-12 classroom. Brain Pop , 1-17.
Halverson, R. (2005). What can k-12 School Leaders Learn from Video Games and Gaming. Retrieved from http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=81